Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

(ECMO) Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving medical procedure used to provide sustained support to critically ill patients. In this procedure, a pump and specialized oxygenator are used to divert blood from the patient’s body, remove carbon dioxide, and return oxygenated blood back to the body. ECMO is most commonly used to support patients with severe heart or lung failure when conventional treatments, such as medications and mechanical ventilation, are no longer able to provide adequate oxygenation and perfusion. ECMO can also be used for rescue therapy for pulmonary embolism, severe post-operative complications, and cardiac arrest, making it a life saving tool for medical professionals and patients.